7 Essentials for Your Home Recording Studio
Once you choose the correct room for your home studio, it's time to equip the space with the proper recording equipment. There are seven things you'll need:
- A computer: Your personal computer will serve as the hub for your recording process. Don't plan on using a tablet or smartphone as your recording interface; you'll need the full functionality of a computer.
- A digital audio workstation: Ths is the software that powers your computer-based recording. Popular brands include Pro Tools, Logic Pro X, Cubase, Ableton Live, Digital Performer, and Reason. Free programs include GarageBand (Mac only), Sonar Cakewalk (Windows only), and Audacity.
- A digital audio interface: You need a digital audio interface to turn analog signals into digital files that your computer can work with.
- Microphones: Picking the right microphone is essential. The three main types of microphones are:
- Condenser microphones, made with large diaphragms and small diaphragms, can record nearly any instrument.
- Dynamic microphones can be used for both vocals and mic-ing high output instruments, like drums and guitar amps.
- Ribbon microphones provide detail on vocals, acoustic guitars, electric guitar amps, and brass instruments.
- Microphone accessories: In addition to the actual microphones, you will need reliable microphone stands, pop filters (to eliminate plosives from vocals), and balanced XLR cables to connect the microphones to your recording source.
- Preamps: A preamplifier, or preamp, is one of the most underrated pieces of studio equipment. It connects the microphone to the digital audio converter, adding warmth and character to the recording. They are considered essential for recording vocals and instruments. Some microphones sound rather dead unless plugged into a preamp.
- Studio monitors and headphones: Having the best microphones and preamps without good quality studio headphones or monitoring speakers will make it difficult to properly assess the sound quality of your work.